When I first moved to Cork city about a decade ago, sourcing fun home decor items was a challenge. There was no HomeSense, TKMaxx, and especially no Home Square. I must admit, I LOVE Home Square. It is calm and well presented, with the items displayed in uncluttered, but fun ways. When my friend Steve started the shop, I couldn’t wait to see what it would stock and I was thrilled when the four walls were filled with home decor and gift items rich with personality and style.

Tucked in the Cornmarket Centre with Lidl, TKMaxx, and De Calf Cafe, Home Square is a source of whimsy and style. But you wouldn’t know it from the outside. It’s like a toy chest… for home decor-obsessed grownups like myself.

The only thing I wanted for my birthday was a pink Eames-style chair for my desk. It is practical yet fun, like me. But then Christmas came quickly on the heels of my birthday and we were back to Home Square again for more shopping.

From statement pieces, like tall lanterns with electric (child- and pet-safe) candles to beautiful artificial floral arrangements that will carry you through winter into spring and beyond.

And lots of things that you can grab and be done with in terms of hostess or family gifts.

Right now, they have the must fun clocks. If I had a mantle, you can bet one of these would find its way to be showcased there.

This one is kinda my favorite. Industrial retro is a thing, right?

You can never have too many toss pillows when you have kids who love building pillow forts. I’ll take one of each. For kids, of course. But the bird ones are my favorites!

There is an entire line of animal paintings here that are fun and vibrant. Whether you love cows or dogs or giraffes, this place has just the piece for you and they are hand finished for under €50, which is amazing.

Or if you don’t have the wall space, get a dog on a mug.

Now, in all seriousness, this is probably one of my super favorite items in the shop. I am not sure if I would hang it to store yarn or make a rustic dollhouse with it.

Basically, every trip to Home Square makes me wish I had a house. It’s so cool with someone local, like Steve, decides to invest in the community with a shop. But it’s pretty lucky when the shop stocks a range of useful and fun things. So, shop local.

I know this sounds like a big old ad, but I just love the place and I’ve been meaning to write about it for over a year now. Glad I finally did because selfishly I want Home Square to thrive so when I finally do get a house, I can outfit my place with paintings of animals wearing headphones and a gazillion cheerful toss pillows. My room will totally have a dedicated room for pillow forts.

Where is your favorite place to get fun gift or home items in Cork city?